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World & Nation

Withdrawal from the Gaza Strip

Supporters of Gush Katif settlers line the highway leading out of the Gaza Strip settlements Wednesday, holding signs and waving flags for the long line of settlers streaming out on the first day of forced evacuations.

Supporters of Gush Katif settlers line the highway leading out of the Gaza Strip settlements Wednesday, holding signs and waving flags for the long line of settlers streaming out on the first day of forced evacuations.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Jewish settlers from Gush Katif look out the windows of a bus taking them toward a different life at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza.

Jewish settlers from Gush Katif look out the windows of a bus taking them toward a different life at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

An evacuation bus driver looks out the orange paint-stained windshield while stopped at the Kissufim Crossing checkpoint .

An evacuation bus driver looks out the orange paint-stained windshield while stopped at the Kissufim Crossing checkpoint .  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

A young infiltrator on a bus out of Gush Katif looks out the windows while her compatriot flashes a peace sign at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza.

A young infiltrator on a bus out of Gush Katif looks out the windows while her compatriot flashes a peace sign at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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A young Jewish settler from Gush Katif photographed in the window of a bus taking her toward a different life at the Kissufim Crossing.

A young Jewish settler from Gush Katif photographed in the window of a bus taking her toward a different life at the Kissufim Crossing.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

An infiltrator takes Israeli soldiers to task for their involvement in the disengagement from the window of an evacuation bus.

An infiltrator takes Israeli soldiers to task for their involvement in the disengagement from the window of an evacuation bus.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Protesters rest against a concrete barrier at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza after an all-night 15-mile walk from a checkpoint outside the closed military zone.

Protesters rest against a concrete barrier at the Kissufim Crossing just outside the Green Line in Gaza after an all-night 15-mile walk from a checkpoint outside the closed military zone.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Protesters hold a sign suggesting the forced evacuations are akin to the Nazi's expulsion of Jews in the 1930's.

Protesters hold a sign suggesting the forced evacuations are akin to the Nazi’s expulsion of Jews in the 1930’s.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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A young Jewish settler from Gush Katif looks out the window of a bus taking him toward the Kissufim Crossing.

A young Jewish settler from Gush Katif looks out the window of a bus taking him toward the Kissufim Crossing.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Gush Katif settlers comfort each other at the Reim highway checkpoint as cars and busses stream out of the Gaza settlements.

Gush Katif settlers comfort each other at the Reim highway checkpoint as cars and busses stream out of the Gaza settlements.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Flashing a peace sign out of the window of an evacuation bus.

Flashing a peace sign out of the window of an evacuation bus.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Two Israeli soldiers lead away residents of Neve Dekalim to a bus leaving the settlement.

Two Israeli soldiers lead away residents of Neve Dekalim to a bus leaving the settlement.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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Soldiers escort a grieving woman.

Soldiers escort a grieving woman.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Israeli soldiers remove a man from his home in Neve Dekalim, where many of hte residents chose non-violent protest to the evacuation.

Israeli soldiers remove a man from his home in Neve Dekalim, where many of hte residents chose non-violent protest to the evacuation.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Teenagers climb onto the rooftop and sing in protest to the evacuation of the settlement. There are still hundreds of teens roaming around the settlement.

Teenagers climb onto the rooftop and sing in protest to the evacuation of the settlement. There are still hundreds of teens roaming around the settlement.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Israeli soldiers wait inside a settlers home while the residents pray in the back room. They later had to carry the residents out to the bus.

Israeli soldiers wait inside a settlers home while the residents pray in the back room. They later had to carry the residents out to the bus.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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Residents of Neve Dekallim set trash fires on many street corners to prevent the arrival of buses that will be used to remove the settlers.

Residents of Neve Dekallim set trash fires on many street corners to prevent the arrival of buses that will be used to remove the settlers.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Women and children gather under a tent set up at one of the synagogues in Neve Dekalim during the forced evacuation.

Women and children gather under a tent set up at one of the synagogues in Neve Dekalim during the forced evacuation.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A settler looks on as an Israeli soldier enters her home to persuade her family to leave.

A settler looks on as an Israeli soldier enters her home to persuade her family to leave.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Sara Medan, 22, left, waits for soldiers to come to her house in Neve Dekalim. "I can't understand how they can do this to us," she says. On the wall is a verse from the Bible.

Sara Medan, 22, left, waits for soldiers to come to her house in Neve Dekalim. “I can’t understand how they can do this to us,” she says. On the wall is a verse from the Bible.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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A woman cries as the Israeli army begins evacuating settlers from Neve Dekalim.

A woman cries as the Israeli army begins evacuating settlers from Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Soldiers escort an Israeli family to an evacuation bus in Neve Dekalim. Although most families were evacuated, many protesters and settlers remained in the area.

Soldiers escort an Israeli family to an evacuation bus in Neve Dekalim. Although most families were evacuated, many protesters and settlers remained in the area.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Two settlers hold out a flag in protest after being evacuated forcibly from Neve Dekalim.

Two settlers hold out a flag in protest after being evacuated forcibly from Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Neighbors bid each other goodbye as they prepare to board the bus transporting settlers from Neve Dekalilm.

Neighbors bid each other goodbye as they prepare to board the bus transporting settlers from Neve Dekalilm.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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RESISTANCE: A woman struggles with Israeli forces today as they carry her to a bus in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim settlement.

RESISTANCE: A woman struggles with Israeli forces today as they carry her to a bus in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim settlement.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

‘DIFFICULT MOMENT’: A settler in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim pleads with Israeli security personnel not to go through with evictions.

‘DIFFICULT MOMENT’: A settler in Gaza’s Neve Dekalim pleads with Israeli security personnel not to go through with evictions.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A Jewish protester sleeps on the front lawn of a home in Morag in Gush Katif, a cluster of 15 settlements in the Gaza Strip. Many young Israelis have entered the settlements, vowing not to leave.

A Jewish protester sleeps on the front lawn of a home in Morag in Gush Katif, a cluster of 15 settlements in the Gaza Strip. Many young Israelis have entered the settlements, vowing not to leave.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Settlers in Morag invited Israeli soldiers to a farewell party Tuesday, thanking them for guarding the town. The forced evacuation of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip begins Wednesday.

Settlers in Morag invited Israeli soldiers to a farewell party Tuesday, thanking them for guarding the town. The forced evacuation of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip begins Wednesday.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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An Israeli soldier helps a family move from Morag in the Gaza Strip.

An Israeli soldier helps a family move from Morag in the Gaza Strip.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Some members of the Atia family plan to stay back in their home in Morag to protest the evacuation of settlers from the Gaza Strip, while the rest will move to their new home.

Some members of the Atia family plan to stay back in their home in Morag to protest the evacuation of settlers from the Gaza Strip, while the rest will move to their new home.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Jewish protesters enter the second story of a house in Morag through a hole they made with a sledgehammer earlier in the day. They plan to barricade themselves in the house and pull up the ladder when Israeli soldiers come to evacuate the town.

Jewish protesters enter the second story of a house in Morag through a hole they made with a sledgehammer earlier in the day. They plan to barricade themselves in the house and pull up the ladder when Israeli soldiers come to evacuate the town.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Zimratya Prins, 21, embraces Karmit Cohen, 9, before Karmit left the settlement of Morag with her family. Prins planned to stay until the end.

Zimratya Prins, 21, embraces Karmit Cohen, 9, before Karmit left the settlement of Morag with her family. Prins planned to stay until the end.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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A Jewish settler in Morag enjoys the last day before the deadline to evacuate the town.

A Jewish settler in Morag enjoys the last day before the deadline to evacuate the town.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

An Israeli soldier hugs settlers after a farewell party in Morag.

An Israeli soldier hugs settlers after a farewell party in Morag.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

An Israeli soldier sleeps after working the night shift patrolling the Gaza Strip settlement of Morag.

An Israeli soldier sleeps after working the night shift patrolling the Gaza Strip settlement of Morag.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

A woman becomes emotional as she tries to reason with Israeli police entering the settlement of Neve Dekalim.

A woman becomes emotional as she tries to reason with Israeli police entering the settlement of Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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Israeli police struggle with protesters blocking the road to the settlement of Neve Dekalim.

Israeli police struggle with protesters blocking the road to the settlement of Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Hundreds of Israeli police faced off with protesters for hours in an attempt to move into the Neve Dekalim settlement and distribute evacuation notices.

Hundreds of Israeli police faced off with protesters for hours in an attempt to move into the Neve Dekalim settlement and distribute evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A boy cries as he is detained by police. He and many other protesters were attempting to block the main road in Neve Dekalim.

A boy cries as he is detained by police. He and many other protesters were attempting to block the main road in Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Protesters and police clash outside the Gaza settlement of Neve Dekalim as authorities attempt to deliver eviction notices.

Protesters and police clash outside the Gaza settlement of Neve Dekalim as authorities attempt to deliver eviction notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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The Star of David hangs around the neck of an Israeli policeman who is part of the large force that entered Neve Dekalim.

The Star of David hangs around the neck of an Israeli policeman who is part of the large force that entered Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Israeli police struggle with a protester being arrested for blocking the road to the settlement of Neve Dekalim.

Israeli police struggle with a protester being arrested for blocking the road to the settlement of Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A protester in Neve Dekalim is arrested for blocking the road.

A protester in Neve Dekalim is arrested for blocking the road.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Israeli police struggle with protesters who were trying to prevent them from entering the settlement of Neve Dekalim.

Israeli police struggle with protesters who were trying to prevent them from entering the settlement of Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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A man runs past trash set on fire by Israeli protesters in Neve Dekalim.

A man runs past trash set on fire by Israeli protesters in Neve Dekalim.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A young Israeli protester, exhausted by the struggle, falls asleep sitting up on the sidewalk. Many of the protesters fighting the evacuation are not from Neve Dekalim, and have been camping in the settlements for weeks in anticipation of this day.

A young Israeli protester, exhausted by the struggle, falls asleep sitting up on the sidewalk. Many of the protesters fighting the evacuation are not from Neve Dekalim, and have been camping in the settlements for weeks in anticipation of this day.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand at the main entrance to prevent police from delivering evacuation notices.

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand at the main entrance to prevent police from delivering evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in force near the main entrance to prevent police from entering to deliver evacuation notices.

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in force near the main entrance to prevent police from entering to deliver evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

An Israeli soldier motions for a Palestinian to get off his bike and give a wide berth away from the Shirat HaYam settlement. Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their orders to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Trouble in the neighboring settlement of Neve Dekalim may have brought them a temporary reprieve as soldiers were occupied there and could not deliver the papers in the morning as they had planned.

An Israeli soldier motions for a Palestinian to get off his bike and give a wide berth away from the Shirat HaYam settlement. Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their orders to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Trouble in the neighboring settlement of Neve Dekalim may have brought them a temporary reprieve as soldiers were occupied there and could not deliver the papers in the morning as they had planned.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Women stand in force at one of the main gates to the settlement of Neve Dekalim to prevent police from entering with the intention of delivering evacuation notices.

Women stand in force at one of the main gates to the settlement of Neve Dekalim to prevent police from entering with the intention of delivering evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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Women stand in force at one of the main gates to the settlement of Neve Dekalim to prevent police from entering with the intention of delivering evacuation notices.

Women stand in force at one of the main gates to the settlement of Neve Dekalim to prevent police from entering with the intention of delivering evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Israeli police march down the main road in Gush Katif on their way to Neve Dekalim where residents and supporters stand in force at the main entrance to prevent police from entering to deliver evacuation notices.

Israeli police march down the main road in Gush Katif on their way to Neve Dekalim where residents and supporters stand in force at the main entrance to prevent police from entering to deliver evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

A burning tire fills the air with smoke set by residents and protesters from Neve Dekalim who oppose the beginning of the evacuation process. Many of the protesters are young children. Police did not enter the settlement, but were successful in getting moving trucks and packers past the human roadblock.

A burning tire fills the air with smoke set by residents and protesters from Neve Dekalim who oppose the beginning of the evacuation process. Many of the protesters are young children. Police did not enter the settlement, but were successful in getting moving trucks and packers past the human roadblock.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

An Israeli soldier prods Jewish settlers to unlock the front gate which they had padlocked shut and barricaded with barbed wire. Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.

An Israeli soldier prods Jewish settlers to unlock the front gate which they had padlocked shut and barricaded with barbed wire. Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.

Residents and supporters in the settlement of Neve Dekalim stand in prayer near the main entrance on the day that police are scheduled to enter to deliver evacuation notices.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.

Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Arieh Yitshaki talks to followers on a bullhorn at the gates of the Jewish settlement of Shirat HaYam as they wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Yikshaki has advocated violence to keep the settlers' hold on the occupied Gaza land.

Arieh Yitshaki talks to followers on a bullhorn at the gates of the Jewish settlement of Shirat HaYam as they wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Yikshaki has advocated violence to keep the settlers’ hold on the occupied Gaza land.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Jewish settlers in the beach front enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Trouble in the neighboring settlement of Neve Dekalim may have brought them a temporary reprieve as soldiers were occupied there and could not deliver the papers in the morning as they had planned.

Jewish settlers in the beach front enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades. Trouble in the neighboring settlement of Neve Dekalim may have brought them a temporary reprieve as soldiers were occupied there and could not deliver the papers in the morning as they had planned.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

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Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.

Jewish settlers in the beachfront enclave of Shirat HaYam wait anxiously for the Israeli Defense Forces to arrive, bringing their order to vacate the Gaza land they have occupied for decades.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

A settler prays behind barbed wire and concrete separating the enclave of Shirat HaYam and Palestinian land. Many of the religious as well as secular Jews are praying for a miracle from God to save their way of life.

A settler prays behind barbed wire and concrete separating the enclave of Shirat HaYam and Palestinian land. Many of the religious as well as secular Jews are praying for a miracle from God to save their way of life.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

Israeli soldiers guard the border at dawn between Israeli settlements and the Palestinian Gaza Strip to guard against attacks during the pullout.

Israeli soldiers guard the border at dawn between Israeli settlements and the Palestinian Gaza Strip to guard against attacks during the pullout.  (Brian Vander Brug / LAT)

A burning tire fills the air with smoke as residents and protesters from Neve Dekalim oppose the beginning of the evacuation process of their settlement. Police did not enter the settlement, but were successful in getting moving trucks and packers past the human roadblock.

A burning tire fills the air with smoke as residents and protesters from Neve Dekalim oppose the beginning of the evacuation process of their settlement. Police did not enter the settlement, but were successful in getting moving trucks and packers past the human roadblock.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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A Neve Dekalim resident sets fire to some of his belongings before leaving. "The settlements must be evacuated; the settlers cannot remain," Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres said.

A Neve Dekalim resident sets fire to some of his belongings before leaving. “The settlements must be evacuated; the settlers cannot remain,” Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres said.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Hundreds of people gathered at the Neve Dekalim cemetery for Tisha B’Av, a holiday marking the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Neve Dekalim cemetery for Tisha B’Av, a holiday marking the destruction of the ancient Jewish temples.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Khalil Bashir and his wife, Suad, are looking forward to the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. “This loss of theirs, the settlers, echoes what we have felt here for so long in Palestine, with the Israeli seizure of so much of our land,” he says.

Khalil Bashir and his wife, Suad, are looking forward to the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. “This loss of theirs, the settlers, echoes what we have felt here for so long in Palestine, with the Israeli seizure of so much of our land,” he says.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Members of Hamas Military Wing, called the Qessam Brigades, show off their force in celebration of the upcoming withdrawal of the Israeli settlers. They believe that it was their determination and force that lead to the pullout.

Members of Hamas Military Wing, called the Qessam Brigades, show off their force in celebration of the upcoming withdrawal of the Israeli settlers. They believe that it was their determination and force that lead to the pullout.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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A young Palestinian boy runs through the streets with a toy gun in an area where life is filled with war and violence.

A young Palestinian boy runs through the streets with a toy gun in an area where life is filled with war and violence.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Women gather together at one of the Synagogues in Neve Dekalim to mourn on Tisha B'Av, the Jewish holiday marking the destruction of the Temple. This year the holiday is even more emotional due to the upcoming deadline for their evacuation.

Women gather together at one of the Synagogues in Neve Dekalim to mourn on Tisha B’Av, the Jewish holiday marking the destruction of the Temple. This year the holiday is even more emotional due to the upcoming deadline for their evacuation.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

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